| Table 8. Intravenous Agents Used in Heart Failure | ||
| Drug | Dose | Special Considerations |
|
Nitroprusside |
10-500 mcg/min |
Thiocyanate accumulation in renal failure; may provoke ischemia by coronary steal; vasodilator; ICU only. |
| Nesiritide | 2 mcg/kg/bolus then 0.01 mcg/kg/min | Fixed weight-based dose; vasodilator; occasional hypotension. |
| Nitroglycerin | 10-500 mcg/min | Anti-ischemic, vasodilator; limited by vascular headache; hypotension; tolerance develops rapidly. |
| Dobutamine | 2-20 mcg/kg/min | Beta receptor agonist; pro-arrhythmic; ^HR; ^ Ishemia. |
| Milrinone | 0.25-0.75 mcg/kg/min | Phosphodiesterase inhibitor; vasodilator; may improve pulmonary hypertension; used in patients taking beta blockers; pro-arrhythmic. |